This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
Goldenseal once grew in abundance along the East Coast of North America, where Native Americans used the plant both as a brilliant yellow dye and a remedy for skin wounds and stomach upset. Contemporary herbalists consider goldenseal antiseptic and astringent, and recommend it for sore throats, bleeding gums and eczema.
CAUTION: Large doses of the herb can cause muscle spasms and numbness. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Gargle Tincture
Syrup
Medicinal Uses:
Yeast Infections
Poison Ivy Rashes Diabetes Eye Ailments
The berberine that goldenseal contains makes it excellent for treating inflammations of the cornea and iris brought on by the herpes simplex virus. A similar solution as described above is used, but with an increased portion of ¼ teaspoon of goldenseal.
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Goldenseal is a small perennial plant that grows 6-18 in. tall, it is a member of the buttercup family, which also includes peony and larkspur. In the spring, it produces large, hand-shaped leaves, greenish white flowers and dark, orange-red berries.
Native to the East Coast of North America, goldenseal has been overharvested and is now scarce in its natural habitat of moist woodlands. While the herb is cultivated throughout the midwestern and eastern United States, it needs an environment similar to its native habitat to flourish. It is a difficult plant to grow and need to be at least 6 years old before harvesting.
The yellow roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of goldenseal are harvested in the fall and dried for medicinal purposes, the dried leaves can be used for teas.
Goldenseal's medicinal action is largely due to the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. Both are astringent and have antibiotic properties, making the herb a prized remedy for infections and inflammation. Recent studies indicate that these alkaloids have tumor-fighting potential as well, although further investigation is needed before goldenseal can be used to treat tumors in humans. The herb also contains resin.
Available in dried form, tinctures, powders and capsules, goldenseal is very effective in treating both external and internal ailments. It's most often used as a gargle for gum irritation, a skin wash for eczema, a syrup for diarrhea and stomach upset and a tincture for sore throats. It is a powerful antibiotic. It goes straight to the bloosdstream and eliminates infection in the body. Used in conjunction with other herbs, it boosts the effectiveness of the accompanying herbs.
Pregnant women and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or heart disease should avoid using goldenseal.
For bleeding gums, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried roots. Steep for 15 min.; then strain. Once the tea cools, use as a gargle 2-3 times daily until all symptoms subside. The tea may also be used as an effective skin wash for eczema.
For a sore throat, mix 10 drops of goldenseal tincture in 2 tbsp. of water. Take twice daily.
Tincture Blend
For sinus congestion or infection, mix ¼ oz. of goldenseal tincture and 1½ oz. of echinacea tincture. Use 20-30 drops of the blend in 2 tbsp. of water up to 3 times daily, for 3-5 days. Store the blend in a 2 oz. glass dropper bottle.
For stomach upset and diarrhea, miz ¼ tsp. of goldenseal powder with 1 tsp. of honey. Take the syrup twice a day for 3-4 days. Goldenseal is quite bitter to taste. It helps to drink a glass of water after taking the syrup.
Yeast infections can be treated by combining 3 cups of water and 1½ teaspoons of powdered goldenseal root in a blender. The mixture is then used as a douche several times a day until the problem is cleared up.
For those with poison ivy rashes, goldenseal powder (1 tsp) can be combined in a pint of hot water and be dabbed on the effected areas when cool. Also 2-3 capsules of root powder taken internally will expedite the healing process as well.
Some diabetics have reported that they are able to reduce their dependency on insulin as a result of taking goldenseal capsules.
Some holistic physicians use a solution of goldenseal root for various eye ailments, especially conjunctivitis. Mix together 1/8; teaspoon each of powdered goldenseal root, comfrey and chamomile, add to one cup of boiling water and steep it for 15 minutes before straining through a sterile cheescloth. It can then be used at room temperature by applying 2-3 drops three times daily from a sterile eye dropper.
Prosperity spells, healing rituals and spells
All information provided in this
article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the
following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing,
Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott
Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The
Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters
Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself
Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden,
Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A
Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home
and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D